Easy Origami Heart Tutorial: Perfect for Beginners
Beginner
5 minutes
Any square paper
This simple origami heart is perfect for beginners and makes a lovely gift for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to show someone you care. The best part? It takes just a few minutes to create and uses simple folds that anyone can master. You can make these hearts in various sizes for different occasions – from tiny hearts for greeting cards to larger ones for decorations.
Materials Needed
- One square piece of paper (colored paper works best)
- A flat surface to work on
- Optional: ruler or bone folder for crisp creases
Video Tutorial
If you prefer to follow along with a video, watch the step-by-step tutorial below:
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start with a square piece of paper
Begin with a square piece of paper, colored side facing down (white side up). If you’re using double-colored paper, choose which color you want on the outside of your heart.
Tip: If you only have rectangular paper, you can make a square by folding one corner down to form a triangle, then cutting off the excess rectangle.
Step 2: Fold the paper in half diagonally
Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Run your finger along the fold to make a sharp crease, then unfold.
Step 3: Fold in half diagonally in the other direction
Fold the paper in half diagonally in the opposite direction to form another triangle. Crease well and unfold. You should now have an X crease pattern on your square.
Step 4: Fold the paper in half horizontally
Fold the paper in half by bringing the bottom edge up to the top edge. Crease well and unfold.
Step 5: Fold the bottom edge to the center
Fold the bottom edge up to meet the center crease (the horizontal line from Step 4). Crease well.
Tip: The center crease is where the two diagonal lines intersect. Make sure your fold is precise for a symmetrical heart.
Step 6: Fold the top corners down
Fold the top left corner down diagonally so that the top edge lines up with the vertical center crease. Repeat with the top right corner. You should now have a shape that resembles a house with a pointed roof.
Step 7: Fold in the sides
Fold the left and right corners of the “house” inward to meet at the center. The bottom edges should align with the vertical center crease.
Tip: These folds form the top of the heart, so make sure they’re even on both sides.
Step 8: Create the point of the heart
Fold the bottom point up just a small amount to create the cleft in the bottom of the heart. Don’t fold it too far up – just enough to round out the bottom of the heart shape.
Step 9: Flip over and adjust
Turn your heart over to reveal the colored side. Adjust the folds if needed to make a more defined heart shape. Press down firmly on all creases to flatten the heart.
Finishing Touches
You can further define the heart shape by gently rounding the curves with your fingers. If you want to make your heart more three-dimensional, slightly curl the two top lobes of the heart outward. For a flatter heart that can be used in cards or scrapbooks, press it under a book for a few minutes.
Creative Variations
- Mini Hearts: Use small squares of paper (2″ x 2″) to create tiny hearts for cards or scrapbooking.
- Patterned Hearts: Use patterned origami paper for more decorative hearts.
- Heart Mobile: Make multiple hearts in different sizes and colors, then hang them from string to create a beautiful mobile.
- Envelope Heart: This heart can also open up to form a little pocket or envelope – perfect for tiny notes!
Display Ideas
These origami hearts are versatile decorations that can be used in many ways:
- Glue them to greeting cards or gift tags
- String several together to make a garland
- Attach to gift wrapping for a personal touch
- Use as table decorations for weddings or anniversaries
- Place in a bowl as decorative accents
- Add a string to hang as ornaments
Troubleshooting Tips
Common Issues & Solutions
- If your heart doesn’t look symmetrical: Make sure your initial folds are precisely aligned with the center creases.
- If the heart looks too pointy: Adjust the fold from Step 8 to bring the point up a bit more, creating a more rounded bottom.
- If your paper is too stiff: Try using thinner paper, or gently pre-crease the paper by folding it back and forth a few times to make it more pliable.
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Questions About This Model?
Having trouble with a particular step? Leave a comment below and I’ll help you troubleshoot!